Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey says the Gunners are ready to finish the job when they face Real Madrid in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash at the Santiago Bernabéu.
After a 3-0 win in the first leg at the Emirates, Arsenal head to Madrid with a healthy advantage.
Despite Real Madrid’s well-known pedigree for late comebacks; Partey believes Arsenal can rise to the occasion.
“Well, I think it’s going to be one of the biggest games, given the situation, the mentality, and the need we have,” he told reporters. “We have to be confident, we have to go there, play our game, and try to win.”
Partey, who played a key role in midfield during the first leg, acknowledged the difficulty of the task but believes Arsenal’s consistency and identity can carry them through.
Yes, it’s very difficult. It’s not going to be easy. We know how good they are, but we also know the quality we have from back to front. If we replicate what we did in the first leg, it will be easier for us.
When asked if the Santiago Bernabéu atmosphere could intimidate the Gunners, the Ghanaian international offered a calm response:
“Well, I think every stadium is intimidating when you are not at your best. But you have to go there with confidence, know what we have to do, and stay in our game.”
Partey emphasized that Arsenal don’t need to change their identity for this match, urging his teammates to maintain composure and stick to the style that’s gotten them this far.
I don’t think it’s tricky. If we’re confident and play our game; the way we’ve played all season, it won’t be anything different. We just have to be brave enough to take the ball, keep it, and attack them.
Arsenal are aiming to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009, and Partey believes belief and execution are all that stand between them and history.
